Victoria's deradicalisation plan a 'Soviet-style' idea that will only alienate – expertInternet bans and limiting association will drive underground those most vulnerable to the lure of Islamic State, says terrorism researcher

Proposals being considered by the Victorian government and police to impose curfews and internet bans on teenagers they suspect may become terrorists reveals just how poorly authorities understand radicalisation and those most vulnerable to it, experts have said.

If implemented, the proposal would drive teenagers vulnerable to the influence of Islamic State further underground, said Dr David Malet, a terrorism and international security researcher who has published a book about recruits to overseas insurgencies.

The state government on Monday confirmed police had approached them, seeking powers to force those they identify as potential terrorists into deradicalisation programs, restrict who they associate with, and ban them from using the internet.